Loka
LOKA.
[Source:
Dowson's Classical Dictionary
of Hindu Mythology] A world,
a division of the universe. In general the tri-loka or three worlds are
heaven, earth, and hell. Another classification enumerates seven, exclusive
of the infernal regions, also seven in number which are classed under
Patala. The upper worlds are:--(1.) Bhurloka, the earth. (2.) Bhuvarloka, the
space between the earth and the sun, the region of the Munis, Siddhas, etc.
(3.) Swarloka, the heaven of Indra, between the sun and the polar star. (4.)
Maharloka, the usual abode of Bhrigu and other saints, who are supposed to be
coexistent with Brahma. During the conflagration of these lower worlds the saints
ascend to the next, or (5.) Janaloka, which is described as the abode of Brahma's
sons, Sanaka, Sananda, and Sanatkumara. Above this is the (6.) Taparloka, where
the deities called Vairagis reside. (7.) Satyaloka or Brahmaloka, is the abode
of Brahma, and translation to this world exempts being from further birth. The
first three worlds are destroyed at the end of each kalpa, or day of Brahma;
the last three at the end of his life, or of a hundred of his years; the fourth
loka is equally permanent, but is uninhabitable from heat at the time the first
three are burning. Another enumeration calls the seven worlds earth, sky, heaven,
middle region, place of birth, mansion of the blest, and abode of truth; placing
the sons of Brahma in the sixth division, and stating the fifth, or Janaloka,
to be that where animals destroyed in the general conflagration are born again.
The Sankhya and Vedanta schools of philosophy recognize eight lokas or regions
of material existence:--(1.) Brahmaloka, the world of the superior deities;
(2.) Pitriloka, that of the Pitris, Rishis, and Prajapatis: (3.) Somaloka, of
the moon and planets; (4.) Indraloka, of the inferior deities; (5.) Gandharvaloka,
of heavenly spirits; (6.) Rakshasaloka, of the Rakshasas; (7.) Yakshaloka, of
the Yakshas; (8.) Pisachaloka, of the Pisachas or imps and fiends.
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Modern
Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics. Laura Gibbs, Ph.D.
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